Page 58 of My Best Friend's Brother
“Titus!” Judith groaned and closed her eyes.
“Mom!” Bertie nearly screamed.
“I’m okay, just tired. No need for hysterics.” Eyes still closed, she smiled and rubbed Bertie’s back. “You too, Bertie.”
“Huh?”
Judith opened her eyes. “Live your dreams too. You don’t know how long you’ll have. One day, life will tell you it’s coming to an end, and you’ll wish you’d done things differently.”
Bertie bit her lip and looked away.
“You’re saying you wished things were different?” Titus asked gruffly. “The life we’ve built?”
“Yes,” was all Judith said.
Titus stormed out of the room. Judith sighed. “I won’t say I never should’ve married him because then I never would’ve had you two.” She squeezed their hands. “I was young and in love. Stupid really. Don’t be stupid.” Her eyes grew intense, her hands squeezing tightly. Her voice came out strangled. “Follow your hearts, but let your head get a word in from time to time.”
Later when their mother had fallen asleep, Bertie and Pete headed back home to pack a bag of things their mother wanted. She would soon be moved to hospice care before transitioning back home.
“You think Dad is going to help us?” Bertie asked.
“I don’t know,” Pete answered. “He’s probably back at the campground. Kids are leaving tomorrow.”
Bertie sighed. “I’m glad this week is over.”
“You should come out to California with me next week. Go to school there. Find a job you’ll enjoy. Dad is fine on his own, I think.”
Bertie’s sideways glance was full of judgment. “How can you suggest that? His wife is dying.”
“And he didn’t seem to care!”
“He’s probably in denial! He’ll lose her and his kids in…in a month, maybe? What do you think that’ll do to him?”
“So you’re going to stay? And do what?”
Bertie shrugged. “Help him run the camp. At least until he can hire more people.”
“Then what,” Pete asked pointedly. “You gonna do what Mom said?”
Bertie shook her head. “I…I don’t know.”
“Bertie, now’s the time to do it. You don’t have to be what Dad says. Whatever it is you want to do, you can do it.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Pete huffed.”
“I said I’ll think about it.” She shoved his shoulder.
Pete knew his sister well enough. Bertie would remain at the camp, running it, half-living. She’d be miserable but not enough to break free. He felt sorry for her. She never seemed to be the type to cave under pressure. He thought she was Keke’s twin.
“You let me know how things go with Warp Entertainment, and maybe I’ll visit you. I know I don’t want to go anywhere until Mom…”
“Me neither,” Pete quickly agreed. Regardless of what Warp Entertainment offered, he’d be back here in Springfield, spending every second with his mother while he had the chance.
